FAA Re-evaluating MU-2 Safety

Denying it is re-evaluating safety aspects of the Mitsubishi MU-2 in response to requests from several Colorado legislators, the FAA said its investigation is the result of a “recent increase in the accident rate” of the turboprop twin. As of press time, 11 people have been killed in six accidents involving MU-2s since last March, including two in Colorado. The MU-2 was the subject of two previous evaluations–in 1983 and 1991. No major problems with the aircraft were found in either investigation, but pilot training has been an issue. Specific MU-2 training is not required, and the FAA has twice denied requests by Mitsubishi to establish a type rating. Of the more than 700 MU-2s built between 1963 and 1985, some 400 are still flying. According to safety analyst Robert E. Breiling Associates of Boca Raton, Fla., 251 people have been killed in 79 MU-2 accidents.